Folding table



G. A. KOST FOLDING TABLE June 5, 1962 Filed June 1, 1959 INVENTOR. Guy A. KosT BY A 77'0/9/1/5 V am m iEQ 3,037,639 FOLDING TABLE Guy A. Kost, 1737 N. Elgin, Tulsa, Okla. Filed June 1, 1959, Ser. No. 817,257 Claims. (Cl. 211-86) 2,533,147, issued December 5, 1950, and entitled Folding Table for Attachment to Vehicle Doors. The present invention contemplates a novel folding table having many advantages over presently available tables of this type. The novel table of the invention is provided with adjustable hanger or support members in order to compensate for the varying contour of the outer periphery of the modern day automobiles whereby the table may be maintained adjacent the car door and at substantially any desired elevation from the ground. The table may be disposed on the outside of the car or vehicle at a height convenient for eating therefrom, or may be adjusted to substantially any height in order to provide for a variety of uses therefor, such as cleaning game or fish, repairing of sports equipment such as fishing rods, playing cards and other games, and the like. In addition, the novel table may be disposed on the interior of the car door, if desired, and adjusted to a height substantially in alignment with the car seat to provide an extension for the seat whereby the car seat may be utilized as a comfortable bed for the camper.

It is an important object of this invention to provide an improved folding table particularly designed and constructed for utilization in the out of doors.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel folding table adapted to be supported from a vehicle for a variety of uses for a camper, or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a folding table adapted to be supported from a vehicle and which is adjustable in order to maintain the table adjacent the sides of the vehicle regardless of the variable contour of the vehicle body.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a folding table adapted to be supported from a vehicle and which may be disposed 'at variable elevations from the ground for convenience of utilization thereof.

A further object of this invention is to provide a folding table which may be supported on either the inside or outside of a vehicle door.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a novel folding table which is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate my invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a table embodying the invention supported from a vehicle, with portions thereof depicted in dotted lines for purposes of illustration.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of a table embodying the invention, and in the extended position thereof.

FIGURE 3 is a front elevational view of a table embodying the invention, and in the extended position thereof.

3337,63? Patented June 5, 1962 ire FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of a table embodying the invention, and in the folded position thereof.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged detail view in cross section of the adjustable support means for the table.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 1% refers in general to a folding table comprising a substantially fiat plate member 12 preferably of rectangular configuration, but not limited thereto. The rear portion 14 of the plate 12 is provided with a suitable guard or bumper strip 16 secured thereto in any well known manner (not shown) for protection of the sides of the vehicle 18 upon which the table It) is supported, as will be hereinafter set forth. A substantially U-shaped frame member, generally indicated at 20, is pivotally secured to the plate 12 to provide support and rigidity therefrom adjacent the vehicle 13. A pair of identical hanger members 22 are adjustably carried by the frame 20 for hanging or supporting the plate 12 from a car window 24, as shown in FIG. 1.

The frame 20 comprises a pair of spaced hollow leg members 26 and 28 having a cross bar 30 extending therebetween, and spaced from the plate 12 in the extended or open position or" the table 19. The cross bar 30 is socured to the leg members 26 and 28 in any suitable manner, such as the T-fittings 32 The open end of each T-fitting 32 is provided with a removable plug 34 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. A rod member 36 (FIG. 5) extends longitudinally within each of the leg members 26 and 28 and projects outwardly therefrom through an aperture 38 provided in the respective T-fitting 32. The upper end 40 of the rod 36 is preferably punched to provide a square aperture 42 for receiving the hanger 22 therethrough. The hanger 22 is preferably constructed from a suitable rod material having a square cross sectional configuration, but not limited thereto, for cooperation with the aperture 42 in order to preclude twisting or turning of the hanger 22 therein, thus providing more stability for the hangers 22.

A plurality of spaced bores 44 are provided on the rod 36 for adjusting the length thereof projecting from the T-fitting 32 in order to permit substantially any desired elevation for the plate 12 when suspended from the car window 24. A pair of spaced washers 46 and 48 are disposed around the rod 36 and positioned within the T-fitting 32 for cooperating with a cotter pin 50 extending through one of the apertures or bores 44 in order to retain the rod 36 within the leg 28 at the desired elevation therein. It will be apparent that the rod 36 disposed in the leg 26 is similarly adjustably secured therein. The plugs 34 may be removed for access to the cotter pins 50 when it is desired to change the length of the rods 36 extending from the T-fittings 32 for adjustment of the elevation of the plate 12. A bushing or spaced sleeve 51 is disposed on the lower portion of the rod 36 to preclude wobbling of the rod 36 within the leg 28.

An externally threaded sleeve 52 is disposed around each rod 36 above the T-fittings 32, as viewed in the drawings, and is secured thereto in any well known manner, such as transversely extending pin 54-. A sleeve 56 is threadedly secured to the sleeve 52 for supporting a lJ-clamp 58 around the upper portion 40 of the rod 36. An outwardly extending circumferential flange 60 is provided on the sleeve 56 to provide a hand wheel for facilitating turning of the sleeve 56 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. The U-clamp 58 is provided with aligned square apertures 62 disposed on opposite sides of the aperture 42, and in alignment therewith for receiving the hanger 22 therethrough. The sleeve 56 may be threaded upwardly on the sleeve 52 in order to bear against the U-clamp 58 and firmly clamp the rod or hanger 22 within the apertures 42 and 62.

Each of the hangers 22 is provided with a perpendicularly disposed end portion 64 to provide a hook for hanging the table over the window 24 of a vehicle. In addition, a second rectangular plate member 66 may be disposed on the hangers 22 oppositely disposed from the hook members 64 and spaced above the plate 12 to provide an extra shelf for the table 10. The shelf 66 is supported by the hanger members 22, as clearly shown in the drawings, and need not be rigidly secured thereto, but may be placed thereon. It will be apparent that the shelf 66 may be omitted entirely, if desired.

A pair of L-shaped brackets 68 and 76 are secured to the opposite sides of each leg 26 and 28 by a plurality of bolts 72. The brackets 68 and '70 extend through a pair of parallel slots 74 and 76, respectively, and are pivotally secured on the under surface 78 of the plate 12 to a brace member 80 by a bolt 82 (PEG. 2). Two of the brace members 80 are secured to the under surface 78 of the plate 12 for support thereof in the open position. The brace members 80 are disposed in alignment with the pairs of slots 74 and 76 in order that each pair of brackets 68 and 70 may be pivotally secured thereto. Thus, the frame 20 is pivotally secured to the plate 12, and may be folded thereagainst, as shown in FIG. 4 to provide a compact unit for storage when the table 10 is not in use. The hangers 22 may be rotated within the legs 26 and 28 to a position substantially parallel to the cross bar 30 in the folded position of the table It), and a U-shaped locking bar 84 may be secured to the opposed sides of the plate 66 and over the hangers 22 by a screw and wing nut 86, as shown in FIG. 4. The screw extends through the plate 12 to retain the table 10 in the folded position. An aperture (not shown) may be provided in the plate 12 and the plate 66 for receiving the screw 86 therethrough, thus securely retaining the shelf 66 with the folded table 10 during periods when the table is not in use.

Operation When it is desired to use the table 10 for purposes of eating, or the like, on a camping trip, the locking bar 84 may be removed from the plate 12 by releasing the screw and wing nut 86, as is well known. The frame 20 may then be manually pivoted to a position substantially perpendicular to the plate 12. The lower end 88 of each leg 26 and '28 will abut against the plate 12 in the full raised position of the frame 20 to provide a stop therefor. The hangers 22 may be rotated to the position shown in FIG. 1 whereby the hooks 64 may be disposed over the car window 24 for supporting the table 10 adjacent the side of the vehicle 18. The bumper 16 will then be disposed adjacent the vehicle, and will protect the finish thereof. The elevation of the plate 12 may be adjusted as desired by removing the plugs 34 and placing the cotter pin 50 in the proper bore 44 for the desired positioning of the plate 12. The distance between the hook 64 and its respective rod 36 may be adjusted as desired by unthreading the sleeve 56 for releasing the pressure on the hanger 22 and permitting a manual adjustment of the hanger 22 within the apertures 42 and 62. Thus, any differential in the width of the vehicle body due to the contour thereof between the two hook members 64 may be compensated for to assure that the plate 12 will be disposed efficiently adjacent the car or vehicle 18.

The plate 12 may now be utilized for eating, playing cards, or substantially any other desired function. When the utilization of the table 10 has ended, the hooks 64 may be removed from the disposition on the car window 24, and the frame 20 may be pivoted into a position adjacent the plate 12. The hangers 22 are moved parallel to the cross bar 30, and the locking bar 84 is again secured to the plate 12 for locking the table 10 in the folded position.

When it is desired to sleep on the car seat (not shown), the table 10 may be suspended from the window 24 with the plate 12 on the inside of the door (not shown) of the vehicle. The plate 12 may be adjusted to substantially the level of the car seat in the manner hereinbefore set forth. The car door may then be opened, and the plate 12 will provide an extension for the car seat in order that the camper will have a sufiiciently long bed for sleeping.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention contemplates a novel folding table adapted for suspension from a vehicle that is particularly designed and constructed for enhancing the enjoyment of camping, picnicking, and the like. The novel folding table fulfills many useful functions, and is simple and efficient in operation, as well as economical and durable in construction.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings, it being understood that any modification in the precise embodiment of the invention may be made within the scope of the following claims Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A folding table adapted to be supported from a vehicle, and comprising a plate member, brace members secured to the plate member, a frame member pivotally secured to the brace members for movement to alternate positions of extended and folded with respect to the plate member, hanger members carried by the frame member, the frame member in an extended position supporting the plate member in a horizontal position, adjustable locking means cooperating with the hanger members and the frame member to provide for adjusting the elevation of the plate member, and adjustable nut means cooperating with the hanger members and the frame member to provide for adjustment of the plate with respect to the vehicle for horizontal disposition of the plate member.

2. A folding table adapted to be supported by a vehicle, and comprising a plate member, a pair of spaced brace members secured to the plate member, a frame member pivotally secured to the brace members for movement to alternate positions of extended and folded with respect to the plate member, the frame member supporting the plate member horizontally in an extended position, said frame member comprising a pair of spaced hollow leg members and a cross bar extending between the leg members, a hanger member slidably disposed in each leg member, locking means cooperating between the leg members and the hanger members to provide for a variety of positions of the hanger members with respect to the leg members thereby adjusting the elevation of the plate member, nut means cooperating with the hanger members to provide for adjustment of the extended length thereof thereby maintaining the plate member in sub stantially a horizontal plane, an angular end provided on each hanger member for engaging the car door and supporting the hanger member on the vehicle, and bumper means provided on the plate member for protection of the vehicle therefrom.

3. A folding table adapted to be supported by a vehicle, and comprising a plate member, a pair of spaced brace members secured to the plate member, a frame member pivotally secured to the brace members for movement to alternate positions of extended and folded with respect to the plate member, the frame member in an extended position supporting the plate member in a horizontal position, a pair of spaced hanger members carried by the frame member for supporting the table from the vehicle, a hook member carried by each hanger member for retaining the hanger members in suspended position on the vehicle, adjustable locking means cooperating between the frame member and hanger members for adjusting the elevation of the plate member, nut means cooperating with the hanger members varying the extension of the hook members for maintaining the plate member adjacent the vehicle in a horizontal position regardless of variation in the contour of the vehicle, and bumper means provided on the plate member adjacent the vehicle for protection thereof.

4. A folding table adapted to be supported by a vehicle, and comprising a plate member, a pair of spaced brace members secured to the plate member, a frame member pivotally secured to the brace members for movement to alternate positions of extended and folded with respect to the plate member, the frame member in an extended position maintaining the plate member in a horizontal disposition, said frame comprising a pair of spaced hollow leg members having a cross bar secured therebetween, a hanger member slidably disposed in each leg member, a plurality of spaced bores provided on each hanger member, locking means cooperating between the frame member and the bores for adjusting the hangers with respect to the leg members for varying the elevation of the plate member, nut means provided on each hanger member for an independent adjustment in a plane perpendicular to said first adjustment thereof for horizontally positioning the plate member adjacent the vehicle regardless of variations in the contour of the vehicle, and bumper means provided on the plate member adjacent the vehicle for protection thereof.

5. A folding table adapted to be supported by a vehicle, and comprising a first plate member, brace members secured to the plate member, -a frame member pivotally secured to the brace members for movement to alternate positions of extended and folded with respect to the plate member, the frame member in an extended position supporting the plate member in a horizontal position, hanger members carried by the frame member and adapted to be supported by a vehicle door, adjustable locking means cooperating between the hanger members and the frame member to provide for adjustment of the elevation of the plate member, nut means cooperating with the hanger members to provide for adjustment of the plate member in a plane perpendicular to the first mentioned adjustment thereby maintaining the plate member in a horizontal position, bumper means provided on the portion of the plate member adjacent the vehicle for protection thereof, removable clamping means cooperating with the plate member for securing the frame member in the folded position thereof, the hanger members when supported from a vehicle door extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a second plate member positioned on the extending hanger members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,964,500 Breiding et a1. June 26, 1934 2,002,328 Mitchell May 21, 1935 2,024,468 McGinley Dec. 17, 1935 2,304,705 Pate Dec. 8, 1942 2,593,222 Tracy Apr. 15, 1952 2,771,332 McGinley Nov. 20, 1956 2,856,251 Garrison Oct. 14, 1958 

